Experiment for Practical Application of Hydrogen Gas Sensing
For immediate use Sep. 9, 2016
NLT Technologies, Ltd.
NLT Technologies and Akita Industrial Technology Center (AIT) are engaging in research and development of a hydrogen gas sensor utilizing the Magneto-optical (MO) cavity effect on perpendicular magnetic multilayers. In the recent study, we have demonstrated hydrogen gas sensing by magnetic multilayers, and studied the MO cavity effect on perpendicular magnetic multilayers for hydrogen gas sensing application.
When linearly polarized light is input to a magnetic material, the reflected light is elliptically polarized and rotation of the incident light (a Kerr rotation angle) occurs. In this study, we used the [hydrogen reaction/MO interference/reflection metal] multilayers, and attempted to detect the change in the optical properties caused by hydrogenation of the hydrogen reaction layer as the change in the Kerr rotation angle. As a result, in 4% H2/N2 mixture gas, a change of the Kerr rotation angle by approximately 3 degrees as compared with the angle in the air was observed in realtime.
This sensing method eliminates the need to apply voltage on a sensing device of hydrogen gas, meaning that it can realize a sensor with high explosion proof reliability.
Recently, hydrogen energy is attracting attention as alternative energy that can replace fossil fuel. To facilitate widespread use of hydrogen gas, it is necessary to establish the safety, for which gas sensing plays an important role. NLT Technologies will continue studies on hydrogen gas sensing, with the aim of realizing its practical application within three to five years.
The achievement of this study will be presented in the following academic conference and at an AIT booth of the following exhibition.
| September 13(tue.)-16(fri.) | Japan Society of Applied Physics (Niigata) http://meeting.jsap.or.jp/eng/index.html |
| September 14(wed.)-16(fri.) | MEMS Sensing & Network System 2016 (Kanagawa) http://www.mems-sensing-network.com/en/index.html |
| November 8(tue.)-11(fri.) | International Microprocesses and Nanotechnology Conference (Kyoto) http://imnc.jp/japan2016.html |
About AIT:
Akita Industrial Technology Center http://www.rdc.pref.akita.jp/ (Japanese website)
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